It was argued that the topic of religion’s impact on mass media is relevant and seems to be a good option for future research. The chosen method for conducting such a study is qualitative, which implies a great extent of flexibility and coherence within the scope given. Still, there is necessary to define which observational approach will fit the aims of this study in the best way. It is an essential foundation for the study design, smooth interactions with participants, and obtaining reliable results. Below are the peculiarities of the chosen observational method, how I will gain entry to this setting, and the related ethical considerations.
Religious issues are always quite subtle, and it is important to express respect for others’ visions. I decided to arrange several interviews with randomly sampled participants to figure out their attitude toward the question of religion’s impact on mass media. However, to get more precise results, it seemed that the topic could be narrowed to a specific degree. It would be appropriate to figure out whether adding a religious element into pieces of news influences a receiver’s perception of them. To that end, a sample size could be diminished to ten or twelve participants. This should be done to conduct a discussion between them – given that a subjective and emotional element is present here, thoughts’ expression to other individuals seems important (Peters, 2001). The mentioned discussion will complement previously conducted interviews, and the answers, claims, and attitudes during the live conversation will be compared to those expressed individually.
As stated above, religious issues should be studied carefully, especially when there are participants with their visions. Hence, it would be reasonable to observe the process of the discussion “from inside.” I, as a researcher, will take part in and guide it, smoothing all the potentially uncomfortable themes for those taking part. According to Deacon et al. (2009), such a method can be referred to as participant observation. I will communicate with the participants during the discussion, as well as express my own thoughts regarding the topic. Thus, it seems apparent that the level of participation here is “participant observer” (van den Hoonaard, 2019, p. 84). A crucial advantage here is that there will be no distortion in terms of data collection and interpretation. However, there is a possibility that the participants can feel a little uncomfortable due to the fact that the researcher will be present at the discussion.
Then, it should be noted that no problems with gaining entry to this setting are expected because the sample size is not too big, and the participants will know all the peculiarities of the study and their role. Moreover, the aspect of informed consent will also be taken into account. They will be asked to sign the related form so that any issues in this vein can be averted. I suppose that critical ethical considerations that may arise are connected with a breach of the sanctity of religion. There might be some thoughts or opinions during the discussion that would be inappropriate to one or several participants. Subsequently, I have to implement the core principle of respect for persons and explain to them that all the expressions should be said deliberately and carefully.
References
Deacon, D., Pickering, M., Golding, P., Murdock, G. (2009). Researching communications: A practical guide to methods in media and cultural analysis (2nd ed.). Hodder Arnold.
Peters, J. D. (2001). Witnessing. Media, Culture and Society, 23(6), 707–724.
van den Hoonaard, D. (2019). Qualitative research in action: a Canadian primer. Don Mills.